Common Cold Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The common cold market was valued at USD 27.18 Billion in 2024 driven by increasing incidence of common cold and growing preventive healthcare products across the 8 major markets. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.40% during the forecast period 2025-2034 and attain a market value of USD 45.99 Billion by 2034.

Common Cold Market Overview

The common cold is a viral illness that affects the upper respiratory system and is primarily caused by rhinoviruses. The American Lung Association reported that colds are minor infections of the nose and throat caused by over 200 viruses, with rhinovirus being the most common (10-40% of cases). It can be easily transmitted through aerosols, close contact, or touching infected surfaces. Though typically not severe, it can result in issues such as sinus or ear infections. Young children, elder people, and individuals with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk. Symptoms of the common cold consist of a runny or congested nose, a scratchy throat, sneezing, coughing, slight headaches, body pains, and tiredness. Symptoms begin with a sore throat, stuffy nose, and cough. Children may experience a slight fever. The symptoms persist for approximately one week following a brief incubation period lasting 1-3 days.

Treatment for the common cold is centered on alleviating symptoms by using easily accessible medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers. Expectorants aid in alleviating chest congestion, while the key to recovery lies in rest and hydration. Natural treatments such as hot drinks and honey can help relieve sore throats.

Common Cold Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Incidence of Common Cold Spurs Market Growth

The market for common cold treatment is expanding as the number of cold cases are increasing on a global scale. In the United States, colds lead to more doctor visits than any other condition. Adults get 2-4 colds annually, mainly from September to May, while young children average 6-8. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows tens of thousands hospitalized weekly for respiratory illnesses, with over 29,000 patients admitted with Covid-19, 15,000 with the flu, and many with RSV in late December. Population growth, urbanization, and seasonal fluctuations are the factors that play a major role in the transmission of viruses that lead to the common cold. Healthcare systems are seeing an increase in visits and sales for the common cold, leading to more demand for medicines, healthcare items, and preventative measures. Pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers are creating better treatment choices to satisfy the increasing need.

Increase E-commerce, Digital Health, and Mobile Apps to Boost Common Cold Market Demand

With the increasing adoption of E-commerce, digital health, and mobile apps, consumers can easily access cold remedies, vitamins, and supplements online. Digital health platforms offer telemedicine options for remote medical appointments and prescriptions, improving healthcare accessibility during cold and flu outbreaks. In August 2024, Pfizer launched PfizerForAll™, a digital platform that simplifies access to healthcare for millions of Americans. The platform helps manage common illnesses like migraines, COVID-19, and flu, offering end-to-end services connecting users with healthcare professionals, vaccines, tests, medications, and savings on Pfizer medicines.

Common Cold Market Trends

The market is witnessing several trends and developments to improve the current scenario. Some of the notable trends are as follows:

Growth of Preventive Healthcare Products

Pharmaceutical and healthcare companies are reacting by providing a broader variety of preventative options, like multivitamins and probiotics. The emphasis on prevention instead of treatment is fuelling increases in revenue and expansion in the common cold market. In December 2023, British-based company Haleon launched All in One Cold and Flu Nurse to help patients with symptoms. The brand won the MVP award for cold and flu products, offering unbeatable strength and fast relief. Now, the company has introduced Cold and Flu Nurse All in One Capsules for easier symptom relief.

Emphasis on Maintaining Sanitation

The market is being influenced by growing health consciousness, as individuals are educated on causes and prevention through digital platforms, social media, and public health campaigns. This has caused a change in consumer behavior, leading to the adoption of health practices such as handwashing and using hand sanitizers. Pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers are prioritizing educating consumers about self-care and the importance of seeking medical attention.

Shift Towards Natural and Herbal Remedies

Consumers are opting for natural and herbal remedies to control common cold symptoms, looking for holistic health approaches with fewer chemicals. Some commonly used options such as echinacea, elderberry, and ginger are mild on the body and less probable to cause side effects compared to traditional drugs. Manufacturers are responding to this need by offering herbal supplements, teas, and essential oils specifically designed for relieving cold symptoms, targeting individuals who value natural health remedies.

Growth in the Elderly Population

The increasing number of elderly people is having a significant effect on the market. Due to their weaker immune systems, older adults are more susceptible to infections, leading to an increased need for products that can prevent or manage cold symptoms in this demographic. There is a growing need in the market for personalized healthcare options designed specifically for the elderly, leading to the creation of specialized products and services to cater to their distinct requirements.

Common Cold Market Segmentation

Market Breakup by Drug Class

• Antihistamines
• Expectorants
• Bronchodilators
• Decongestants
• Antibiotics
• Others

Market Breakup by Doses

• Oral Syrups
• Tablets/Pills
• Nasal Drops
• Others

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Independent Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• United States
• EU-4 and the United Kingdom 
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• United Kingdom
• India
• Japan

Common Cold Market Share

Market Segmentation Based on Drug Class to Witness Growth

Based on the drug class, the market is segmented into antihistamines, expectorants, bronchodilators, decongestants, antibiotics, and others. Out of these, antihistamines are expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. It works by blocking histamine receptors, which helps decrease symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching. It is popular for treating upper respiratory symptoms, they are effective in managing allergies. Decongestants reduce inflammation in blood vessels in the nose to alleviate nasal congestion, offering rapid relief for blocked noses whereas expectorants aid in thinning mucus and increasing the effectiveness of coughing, typically utilized to alleviate chest congestion.

Common Cold Market Analysis by Region

Based on region, the market report covers the United States, EU-4 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain), United Kingdom, Japan, and India. The United States is expected to dominate the market because of its substantial population and a high incidence of colds, particularly during the winter months. Healthcare emphasizing prevention boosts the need for vitamins and products that enhance the immune system. There is a strong demand from consumers for both pharmaceutical and preventive products, making the market robust.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends four FDA-approved antiviral drugs for flu treatment such as oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza). Oseltamivir and Tamiflu are available as pills or liquid for ages 14 and older, zanamivir is for inhalation for ages 7 and older, peramivir is an IV medication for ages 6 months and older, and baloxavir is a single-dose pill for ages 5 to less than 12 and 12 years and older.

EU-4 and the United Kingdom are also poised to have a significant market share supported by the growing demand for vitamins and supplements. The market in the Japan and India region is rapidly expanding. In Japan, there is a focus on preventive healthcare with an emphasis on strengthening immunity through vitamins and herbal remedies. Traditional treatments such as herbal teas and Kampo medicine are well-liked. In India, the market is fueled by a high prevalence of colds, with a demand for Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines. Both nations are experiencing an increase in demand for cold remedies.

Leading Players in the Common Cold Market

The key features of the market report include patent analysis, grant analysis, funding, and investment analysis, clinical trials analysis as well as strategic initiatives including recent partnerships and collaborations by the leading players. The major companies in the market are as follows:

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc manufactures and distributes a wide range of personal care, household, specialty, nutrition, toiletry, and health care products. Their acquired Mucinex, a brand that offers various formulations to provide relief for cold and flu symptoms, including chest congestion, cough, and sinus issues.

Haleon Group

Haleon Plc manufactures consumer healthcare products, including OTC drugs for respiratory infections, pain relief, and oral health products like toothpaste and mouthwash. They also offer supplements and solutions under various brand names. The company include the leading brands in cold, flu, nasal decongestant, and allergy aid respiratory issues. Their product portfolio includes Otrivin which clears blocked noses, and Theraflu which fights cold and flu symptoms like fever, congestion, and cough.

Procter & Gamble Health Limited

Procter & Gamble Health Ltd is a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble Overseas India BV, specializing in pharmaceutical products like over-the-counter drugs, minerals, vitamins, and supplements. Their brands include Neurobion, Polybion, and Seven Seas. Their portfolio includes Cosome MSR tablet containing Paracetamol that offers relief in cold and flu symptoms like cough, congestion, headache, and body ache.

Bayer AG

Bayer AG focuses on discovering, developing, and commercializing products for human health and agriculture, including medicines for various diseases. They also work on developing new molecules and technologies for medicine and agriculture. Their products relieve symptoms of cold and flu with trusted brands like Afrin and Alka-Seltzer Plus.

Key Questions Answered in the Common Cold Market Report

• What was the common cold market value in 2024?
• What is the common cold market forecast outlook for 2025-2034?
• What are the regional markets covered in the EMR report?
• What is the market segmentation based on drug class?
• What is the market segmentation based on doses?
• What is the market breakup on the basis of distribution channels?
• What are the major factors aiding the common cold market demand?
• How has the market performed so far and how is it anticipated to perform in the coming years?
• What are the major drivers, opportunities, and restraints in the market?
• What are the major trends influencing the market?
• Which regional market is expected to dominate the market share in the forecast period?
• Which country is likely to experience elevated growth during the forecast period?
• Who are the key players involved in the common cold market?
• What are the current unmet needs and challenges in the market?
• How are partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions among the key market players shaping the market dynamics?